Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears Pricklypear)
Botanical Information
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Species | microdasys |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | North and Central Mexico. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H2 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 2 - 4 |
| Temperature (°F) | 35 - 40 |
| Height | 60 - 90 cm |
| Spread | 120 - 150 cm |
| Growth | Slow |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Opuntia microdasys is a low-lying cactus shrub-like plant. |
| Shape | Upright-spreading. |
| Landscape | As an accent plant or barrier plant for desert gardens, in potted succulent collections, as a potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen. |
| Propagation | Cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Plant in well-draining cactus mix, gravelly or sandy soils in full sun. Repot annually to encourage growth. |
| Notable Specimens | Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, the United States of America. Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Desert hills and arid uplands. |
| Leaf Description | Cladodes are 6 - 15cm in length and 6 - 12 cm in width, velvety, rounded, with apparent glochids and sometimes one short spine. |
| Flower Description | Open cup-shaped blooms showing at the edges of cladodes. |
| Fruit Description | Nearly globose, 3 cm in diameter, fleshy, red to purple-red. |
| Colour Description | Medium to sage green succulent flesh. Brownish-orange areoles and spines with yellow to red blooms. |
| Texture Description | Coarse. |
Photographs
Opuntia microdasys, Form
Opuntia microdasys, Leaf
Opuntia microdasys, Form (2)
Opuntia microdasys, Seedling
Opuntia microdasys, Seedling (2)
Awards
